Ratanavanh did the illustrations for the Miyuki picture books, which I personally love, and I bought this one myself to have a look at it.
Blue-green patterns and tiles line the walls of the house where George, a rosy-cheeked white boy with brown hair, sleeps. Or, rather, doesn't sleep. He's highlighted in a small oasis of bright reds, oranges, and light blues and yellows and sits alone and afraid of the dark. Until a little mouse appears and takes George on a journey to meet a group of "nighttime friends" who will help him overcome his fear of the dark. The pages plunge into bright yellows, whites, and greens as George leaves the dark behind to enter the brightly lit world of his new friends. After a series of gently exuberant adventures, a tired George goes back up the stairs to bed, feeling safe and happy, and dreams of his new friends.
This is a somewhat lengthy story and may be confusing for kids used to a simple, linear plot. It's also not best suited to being a read aloud, with the text often partially obscured by the patterned backgrounds. However, for those readers who like dreamy, fantastical stories or are fans of Ratanavanh's work, it's a charming addition to her repertoire.
Verdict: I don't see an audience for this in my library, but I am happy I purchased it and will keep it in my own personal collection to enjoy.
No comments:
Post a Comment